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Modesto woman arrested after series of crashes

A Modesto woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs early Monday after being involved in four crashes within 45 minutes, including a crash with a bicyclist.

The driver of a Chevrolet Cavalier hit a bicyclist at Ninth and L streets about 6 a.m., said Modesto police spokeswoman Heather Graves.

The driver left the scene and the bicyclist was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, Graves said.

While officers were investigating the hit and run, reports of three more crashes involving a Chevrolet Cavalier were reported at Briggsmore and Rose avenues, Briggsmore and Oakdale Road and somewhere near Rainbow Fields at Claus and Claribel Roads, Graves said. She did not have any information about the other crashes, including who was involved or whether anyone was injured.

The woman, 28-year-old Jade Lichtenauer, was found walking near Rainbow Fields. She appeared to be under the influence of drugs, Graves said.

The Chevrolet was found abandoned nearby; it had been reported stolen.

Lichtenauer was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run, felony driving under the influence, auto theft and possession of stolen property.

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